Fernando Llorente says he began pre-season training before the rest of the Juventus squad because he needs more time to gain fitness.

The Bianconeri returned to begin preparations for the new campaign today, with the exception of the Spaniard who started a week ago.

Speaking at a Press conference today, the forward admitted he struggled physically in the early part of last year and revealed his decision was based on a desire to avoid a repeat.

“It’s true that I have already been training here for a week,” Llorente told journalists. “I think that for me it’s important because I am a player who takes a bit of time to get into shape physically.

“Given that at the start of last year I had some problems at the start, I wanted to train a bit earlier.

“Hopefully now I will suffer a little less at the start, where we will work a lot. I hope it all goes well.”

Llorente then spoke of his desire to remain an Old Lady player for years to come.

“For me, staying at this club is something incredible. I am very happy to be here and I hope I can have another great season.

“Hopefully I can be even better, because for me staying here for all the years I can is very important.”